The Qallisarvik Local Community Health Centre in Aupaluk

Nestled on the shores of Ungava Bay, Aupaluk is the smallest community in Nunavik, often referred to as Quebec’s Far North. In September 2023, the village of 230 inhabitants celebrated the inauguration of a brand-new local community health centre, named Qallisarvik, which also serves the surrounding villages. The construction of the building provided an ideal opportunity to rethink interior artwork to represent and honour the richness of Indigenous culture.

At the centre’s entrance, a photograph by contemporary visual artist Michael Patten peacefully welcomes visitors. A member of the Zagime Anishinabek First Nation in Saskatchewan now based in Montreal, Patten explores Indigenous peoples’ history and identity. Generously donated by the artist, the photograph symbolizes reconciliation. The light and softness that emanate from it create a serene atmosphere. This theme is close to our founders’ hearts because it’s what inspired them to embark on the project.

A dozen works illustrating northern peoples’ way of life transformed the main hallway into a veritable museum. Among them, two prints by Agnes Nanogak Goose from the Northwest Territories, depict Inuit life. Throughout her career, Nanogak Goose has collaborated to portray the oral tradition’s stories and memories. The healthcare centre’s patients can see their history, feel pride and find comfort in them. 

Out of respect for the community, the artwork plaques first have descriptions in Inuktitut, then in English and French. This sensitivity is also reflected in the choice of artists, all from Indigenous communities: Peter Aliknak, Thomassie Echalook, Mark Emerak, Elisapee Ishulataq, Agnes Nanogak Goose, among many others.

The local community health centre’s inauguration sparked enthusiasm throughout the village, especially among the children. The project was so successful that the Art for Healing Foundation was invited to undertake two more, at the hospital and the transit house in Kuujjuaq. 

These projects gave our founders compelling new evidence of art’s undeniably transformative, unifying power. This project grew out of a sincere desire for reconciliation and a commitment to making a benevolent contribution. It has proven to be not only an artistic experience but also a profoundly human and educational one.

The Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre would like to thank Gary Blair and Earl Pinchuk, founders of the Art for Healing Foundation, for their generous donation of fourteen works of art for the Qallisarvik Local Community Health Centre. This major gift of works by Canadian Indigenous and Inuit artists will allow the Aupaluk community and visitors to appreciate northern people’s rich cultures.